Chris Brown Could Face Criminal Charges Over Exotic Monkey

TMZ reports that Chris Brown came under fire last month for photos he posted of his three-year-old daughter Royalty with a monkey, and now that monkey could result in criminal charges. The baby capuchin monkey, named Fiji, was the cause of backlash from people who thought it belonged in the wild. They also thought it could be a danger to Royalty, but Brown ignored the comments.

Police now say that several people told the California Department of Fish and Wildlife about Fiji and they opened an investigation. Brown never had a permit for the monkey. Police got a search warrant but before that could happen, Brown agreed to surrender Fiji to the proper authorities. The monkey is said to be fine.

Brown may not be, however. He could be charged with having a restricted species without a permit, which is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of six months in jail. The case has been sent to the Los Angeles City Attorney.

Brown’s attorney Mark Geragos said: “As I leave my office in Downtown L.A. and walk past people sleeping on the street on my way to defend people charged by the City Attorney with selling medical marijuana … now spending taxpayer money on investigating monkey business, this completes the circle on his absurdity.“